Whether it's from staying out too long in the sun or accidentally touching a hot pot handle, minor thermal burns are a common occurrence among adults and children. In the US, the CDC estimates that 1.1 million people experience burns requiring medical attention every year, with many more suffering mild burns that can be treated at home. The Mayo Clinic considers mild burns to be first- or second-degree burns--characterized by reddish skin, swelling, moderate pain or topical blisters--that respond to first-aid treatment.
Step 1
Judge whether the burn will respond to at-home treatment. Mild to moderate sunburns and burns received from touching hot surfaces can usually be treated at home, provided the burn isn't on the hands, face, feet, groin or major joint, or over a large area of the body. Seek medical help for these cases right away.
Step 2
Hold the burn under cool running water for 10 to 15 minutes, immediately after receiving the injury, to temporarily relieve pain and reduce swelling. Or, apply cool compresses to the skin. Avoid cold water or ice, which can lower your body temperature and cause more damage to the burned skin. Don't use butter--it can cause infections.
Step 3
Apply the sterile gauze bandage to the burn to protect blistered skin from air and lint. Wrap the bandage loosely so it doesn't stick to the wound. Avoid breaking blisters, which may open them to infection. Change the bandage every 48 hours.
Step 4
Moisturize sunburns, which are usually too large to wrap in a bandage, with aloe vera gel. Apply the gel liberally until it's absorbed by the skin.
Step 5
Take a nonprescription pain reliever like aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen sodium according to dosage instructions to minimize discomfort. Use caution or consult your doctor before giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Never give aspirin to children under two years old.
Step 6
Allow the burn to heal while watching for signs of infection, which include increasing pain, redness, swelling, fever or oozing. Call your physician if you notice any of these symptoms.
Step 7
Treat the burn gently even after healing. Wear sunscreen over the area to avoid tanning or re-injuring the skin for at least a year.
Things You'll Need
- Cool water
- Sterile gauze bandage
- Aloe vera gel
- Nonprescription pain relievers
